Recruiting and retention remains strong

A paradox, of sorts, is that while the Oregon National Guard is leaning heavily on stop-loss to fill out the brigade, recruiting and retention is very strong. The shaky economy is driving more people to collect a Guard or military paycheck.

Interest in serving is so high that the National Guard is eliminating entire categories of applicants. Out are people with felonies, face and neck tattoos and most applicants older than 35. In are those with the highest test scores.